First Lady Jill Biden marked the U.S. reentry into UNESCO with a flag-raising event in Paris on Tuesday, signalling the end of a contentious five-year absence from the U.N. organization.
In a symbolic act, the American flag was raised outside UNESCO’s headquarters with Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, amid a round of applause and the playing of the U.S. national anthem. Ahead of the flag ceremony, Mrs. Biden emphasized the vital role of U.S. leadership in protecting global cultural heritage and promoting education and science worldwide.
In her address, Mrs. Biden stated, “I feel privileged to stand with you today, raising the flag of the United States, signifying our dedication to global collaboration and peace.” This return, she noted, exemplifies President Joe Biden’s vow to “reclaim our leadership position on the world stage.”
Proudly declaring, “We’re thrilled to reenter UNESCO,” she said smilingly, “As an educator, I may be a little biased.”
In June, the U.S. expressed its desire to rejoin UNESCO. The organization’s 193 members greenlighted the U.S.’s return earlier this month. Tuesday’s ceremony, including a speech by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, officially marked the U.S. as the agency’s 194th member and flag bearer.
Azoulay emphasized, “We are restoring the Star Spangled Banner to its rightful place.”
During times of division, conflict, and existential threats, Azoulay added, “We reassert our unity here today. Together we’re stronger.”
Azoulay underlined the implications of the U.S.’s return, saying it’s more significant than just for UNESCO. She added that it is vital for global multilateralism and universality, hinting at the ongoing war in Ukraine. The U.S. reentry, she believes, will boost UNESCO’s momentum and enhance its worldwide initiatives.
UNESCO’s special envoy, American actor Forest Whitaker, lauded the organization’s commitment to fostering peace through education.
The U.S.’s decision to rejoin the Paris-based UNESCO primarily arose from concerns about China filling the leadership void left by the U.S.’s withdrawal during the Trump administration. This decision underlines the broader geopolitical dynamics, especially China’s growing influence in international organizations.
The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, accusing the organization of anti-Israel bias. This decision followed UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine as a member state in 2011, causing the U.S. and Israel to stop funding the agency. The U.S.’s official withdrawal came into effect in 2018.
To facilitate the return, the Biden administration has sought $150 million for the 2024 budget for UNESCO dues and arrears, with plans for similar funding requests until the total debt of $619 million is cleared. This sum constitutes a significant portion of UNESCO’s annual budget of $534 million, demonstrating the U.S.’s major financial contribution to the organization before its departure.
Previously, the U.S. was UNESCO’s largest donor, providing 22% of its total funding.
This marks the U.S.’s second return to UNESCO after a hiatus. The U.S. left the organization in 1984 during Reagan’s administration due to allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and perceived promotion of Soviet interests but rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush.
Jill Biden, an English and writing teacher at a Virginia community college, leverages her passion for education and her professional background to represent the U.S. in Paris. Her visit to France will also pay homage to the country’s American history and cultural heritage.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Biden is scheduled to visit the Brittany American Cemetery to honour American soldiers who died in World War II. Her visit is a solemn testament to the shared history and sacrifices between the U.S. and France.
Her journey in France will culminate at the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO world heritage site. Her visit to this iconic place aims to underline the global responsibility of protecting world heritage sites, as outlined in her itinerary.
First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to France commemorates the U.S.’s reentry into UNESCO and brings attention to the shared history, cultural heritage, and responsibilities that bind nations together. This trip underscores the commitment of the U.S. to international collaboration, preservation of world heritage sites, and enhancing education and science globally, reemphasizing its role as a leader on the world stage.
